KAJIADO, Kenya- DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua has renewed calls for fair and timely issuance of national identity cards, saying every eligible Kenyan must be able to access the document ahead of voter registration for the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua spoke during a church service at Full Gospel Churches of Kenya in Isinya, Kajiado County, where he raised concerns about the integrity and equity of the identification process.
The DCP leader said access to identity cards should not be influenced by political considerations, warning that delays could lock out young Kenyans from voter registration and participation in next year’s election.
His remarks came as the government moves to clear a large backlog of uncollected identity cards and expand access through administrative and technological reforms.
A recurring concern for Gachagua
Gachagua has repeatedly alleged that the issuance of national identity cards is being handled unevenly, with young people in areas perceived to support the opposition facing longer waits than those in pro-government regions.
In earlier statements, he claimed the disparities could affect voter registration. He has not publicly presented evidence identifying specific registration centres or applicants in support of the latest concerns raised in Isinya.
The DCP leader has urged the government to ensure that all eligible citizens receive IDs fairly, regardless of region or political affiliation.
National identity cards are central to accessing government services and registering as a voter. The National Registration Bureau says identity cards are issued to Kenyan citizens aged 18 and above.
Government clearing uncollected cards
The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services has said it is working to clear more than 557,000 uncollected identity cards ahead of voter registration, which is expected to begin in January 2027.
Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has said the government has removed fees for new ID applications and replacements, while chiefs and assistant chiefs are being enlisted to help trace applicants whose cards are ready for collection.
The department is also developing an SMS notification system through e-Citizen to alert applicants when their documents are ready.
Kipsang has said the government is working to ensure new applications are processed and delivered within seven to 10 days, while improving staffing and registration services across the country.
Government rejects discrimination claims
The government has previously dismissed Gachagua’s allegations of selective ID issuance as politically motivated.
In an earlier response, Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination Head Dennis Itumbi said the national registration system was operating normally and consistently across the country.
The difference between the opposition’s allegations and the government’s position has placed identity-card issuance at the centre of the political debate ahead of the 2027 polls.
Gachagua’s intervention in Kajiado came ahead of the Ukombozi Rally in Kitengela, where opposition leaders were expected to discuss national issues and coalition cooperation.
The DCP leader maintained that transparent, efficient and equitable ID issuance was necessary to protect the political rights of young Kenyans and preserve confidence in the electoral process.
